Training device



June 12, 1934. Q NELSON AL 1,962,256

TRAINING DEVICE Filed Jan. 30, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet l I I: ATTORNEY.

June 12, 1934.

TRAINING DEVICE Filed Jan. 50, 1935 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS.

M67164 BY zfm 3 ATTORNEY.

E. c. NELSON El AL 1,962,256

Patented June 12, 1934 UNETELD STATES PATENT OFFICE TRAINING DEVICE Everett 0. Nelson, Carl W. Ledgerwood, and George L. Wilson, Duluth, Minn.

This invention relates to training devices or instrumentalities to assist primarily the beginner in developing a correct swing of a golf club.

As is well known to experienced golfers, the

of golf has developed to such an extent that it can be stated definitely that there is but one correct manner in which to execute the swing of a golf club, and it is exactly the same for all shots. A correct swing involves eight stages,

which are: the grip, the address, the pointing of the chin, the backswing, the downswing, the moment of impact, after the moment of impact, and the finish, and it is obviously the ambition of every golfer to execute these stages in the correct manner, thus the invention is equally applicable to the correction of wrong habits that may have been acquired by the more experienced player.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a training or exercising device which will materially assist, if not actually force, the practicer to swing at and hit the bail in the scientifically correct manner by preventing movement of the head except pivotally, and by causing a proper action stress which certain otherwise dormant muscles essential to the correct swing must overcome, and thereby become properly exercised and developed.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the following description. thereof.

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like parts:

Figure 1 is a perspective View of the apparatus as applied to a practicer in the art of properly addressing the ball.

Figure 2 is a similar view illustrating the proper action in just completing the back swing.

Figure 3 is a similar view illustrating the down- 40 swing just before the moment of impact.

' Figure 4 is an enlarged side elevation of the headgear supporting bracket.

Figure 5 is a similar view showing the position of the practicer immediately after the moment of impact with the ball.

Figure 6 is a similar view of the practicer at the finish of the stroke.

Figure '7 is an enlarged perspective view of the shoulder harness.

As one embodiment of the helmet support we have illustrated a bracket like structure which may be of either solid or tubular iron, comprising the rigidly fixed member 1, which may be attached either to a wall or other support depending upon where the device is used. To the outermost end of this member is pivotally attached as at 2, the extension 3, said pivotal connection being of such construction as to permit of the upward swinging of the extension 3, as for example,

as indicated in dotted lines at l, but to prevent 69 any side motion whatever as well as limitation of its lowermost position. To this latter end, an arcuate extension 5 is fixed upon the member 1 and extends forwardly and beneath the pivotal point so that the extension 3 will bear thereupon when parallel with the member 1.

Brackets 6 and 7 depend from the members 1 and 3 upon either side of the pivotal joint, having their lowermost extremities connected as by the contractile helical spring 8, so that the members 70 1 and 3 are normally biased towards proper alignment.

To the extreme outer end of the extension 3 is attached as by a suitable ball and socket joint 9 the helmet 10, thislatter preferably being of the 7 ordinary padded football type of headgear. The advantage of such a structure is obvious when the facts are considered, as before stated, that one of if not the most essential feature of a correct swing necessitates only pivotal movement of the head. However at the conclusion of the swing it is quite desirable that comparatively free upward motion of the head be permitted, so that no undue stress results fromanchoring of the head in the proper position.

The proper positioning of the head and anchoring of same having thus been accomplished, it is particularly desirable that the subsequent action of the body coordinate therewith and that only the proper and necessary muscles be stressed or utilized for the ultimate action desired, and to which end the shoulder harness, as illustrated in Figure '7 is employed. This device contemplates the use of a shoulder or other suitable pad 11 used for encircling the left arm and shoulder of a right handed player. Attached centrally and longitudinally of this pad is a suitable fabric or leather strap 12, one end of which is attached to the flattened end 13 of the felt tube 14, and beneath the leather pad 15, which is stitched to the flat portion 13. A handle like clip 16 is also carried upon the pad 15 and about which is roven the rubber or other elastic tether 17, the free end 18 of which is illustrated as being tucked into the tube after passing beneath a suitable clamping device 19 which may be adjusted to accommodate the required length of the tether. This tether is normally substantially equal in length to the tube and carries at its extreme outer end a snap 20 or other form of fastening for convenient attachment to the ring 21 fixed to the back of the glove 22. This latter as is obvious is to be worn on the hand of the assisting arm of the practicer and in this instance for example on his right hand, or if the practicer be left handed, then the glove would be worn upon the left hand. As a means for adjustment of the shoulder pad 11 we have illustrated a strap 23 having a plurality of holes therethrough for engagement with the hook 24 carried upon the normally free end of the pad and the convenience of applying the shoulder harness may be here related as the glove may first be positioned on the hand and subsequently the other hand and arm thrust into the shoulder loop and the device then raised over the head and properly positioned which is quickly and most conveniently accomplished. The convenience of the tubular pad 14 is apparent as for example when viewing Figure 6 of the drawings, when, during the finish of the stroke the elastic is drawn across the neck and beneath the chin so that when thus protected no undue friction or contact with the practicer occurs, besides forming an exceedingly compact and conveniently manipulated device. The action of the elastic connection to the right arm of the player is apparent from viewing the figures in the drawings, for example in addressing the ball the controlling arm is approximately fully extended and the other arm slightly bent, when the elastic tether will also be fully extended, but as the swing progresses backwardly the elastic tends to draw the right hand upwardly and bend the right elbow drawing it in close to the body, which is exceedingly desirable in permitting the controlling, or left arm in this instance, to remain fully extended, reaching its full limit of swing so that it will not have to be straightened out at the finishing movement of the downward and most strenuous part of the swing. Then, after impact with the ball, as the swing concludes, the centrifugal force imparted to the club and the fully stressed arms is gradually retarded by the inward stress or action of the elastic; this latter action being clearly illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawing.

Considering the fact that a correct swing of a golf club can be executed in but one manner, the advantages of this invention will be apparent when it is remembered that its use keeps the left arm in absolute control until after impact, and

compels one to keep the left arm straight at the top of the back swing, and there produces the proper and complete cocking of the wrists. Here it relaxes the right arm, making it impossible to start the club down with the right hand, and of course the right hand cannot overpower the left during the down swing, and the left hand must therefore take a firmer grip at the top of the back swing. After a few minutes exercise in the machine, it makes the club feel lighter because the muscles of the left arm and left side have been developed, giving more momentum and power at impact, and one feels relaxed and swings with remarkable ease and confidence due to the fact that the device has brought into action the correct set of muscles. The use of the device also induces the left arm pull which automatically causes the left shoulder, left side, and left hip, to all come into action and instinctively causes the proper shift to left and pivot into hitting position.

On account of the fact that the tension upon the right hand at the position of address is a straight pull instead of at an angle, it has the tendency of forcing the player to take a firm grip with the thumb and forefinger upon the club in order to hold his hand in the proper position instead of a grip with the palm of the hand. With the thumb and forefinger gripped firmly on the club on top of the left hand, it necessitates the bringing into play immediately the muscles of the left arm to hold the club in place. The reverse is true at the top of the back swing where the angle of pull and tension on the right hand is at an angle, thereby performing the important function of preventing the right hand from starting the club down and overpowering the left.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a practicing device for developing a correct swing of a golf club, an encircling shoulder pad, an elastic connection between the pad and the hand of the practicers assisting arm whereby to bias said arm toward bent position to assist in both starting and finishing the most effective stroke with the least detrimental motion of the body.

2. In a practicing device for developing a correct swing of a golf club, a shoulder pad for encircling the practicers shoulder, a contractile resilient connection between the shoulder pad and the hand of the assisting arm to create a stress which the controlling arm must overcome during a swing of the golf club.

EVERETT C. NELSON. CARL W. LEDGERWOOD. GEORGE L. WILSON. 

